A field of tomatoes. Sewing machines in a row. Computer parts, mobile phones, mini-taxis, or a pharmacy.

What do they have in common?

For disciple-makers and church planters around the world, God put these things in their hands to take the Good News of Jesus to the least-reached. A small business is more than sustainability. It’s a tool for growth and multiplication.

Cida runs a small variety shop in her community in Brazil. She said, “I prayed for training like this for a long time.” She knew her small business could do so much more, but what?

When she participated in a local Small Business Development (SBD) training, Cida found her prayers answered. “It is a confirmation from the Lord!” she reported. “Now as I make deliveries out to rural places, I take along the Good News. I share the love of Jesus with my customers, and care for their spiritual and physical needs.”

Like Cida, many church planters use a small business for access to a least-reached community. It offers purpose and identity as they meet those who question or oppose a mission worker.

Any customer service is an opportunity for conversation, for care and compassion, and opens doors to introduce Jesus. A young church planter began repairing bicycles in his neighborhood. Several children came to watch so he told them stories about Jesus. The kids listened with interest, then told their parents, and soon several families joined a new fellowship.

Venicia took her business training to a community in Mexico isolated because they do not use Spanish. “God put it in my heart to reach many souls, and now my business is opening doors to share the Good News,” Venicia said.

Small business meets practical needs too. New fellowships in least-reached communities do not have the resources to support pastors and their families. A business allows church planters to survive, even thrive, without making demands on new believers or a church. Those trained by Global Disciples report that their businesses not only supply housing, clothing, and food, but education for their children, medical costs, and savings for the future.

Increasingly, Global Disciples partner churches are also tapping into business to fund local training and growth.

In Nigeria, one church group developed three small businesses—raising chickens, brokering onions, and brickmaking. The income underwrites discipleship-mission training and supports business training for church planters.  

A church planter in eastern Congo raises chickens and sells eggs. Her operation has grown enough to hire other workers and support her local training. She’s generous in giving, providing funds to help the training director attend a regional conference. 

Berto directs a training in his church in Mexico. “We combine discipleship-mission training with small business,” he said. Followers of Jesus are equipped to make new disciples and do it in a way that sustains their efforts. He sees more families coming to be trained because it combines skills and knowledge they can use.

Whatever God has put in your hands, it’s given to advance His mission and care for His people. Disciples are made at a sewing machine or in a taxi. Churches spring up in store fronts and tool sheds. God is changing lives wherever His people are faithful in their work and words.